We engage, educate and empower communities.
Our work translates curiosity into action across three integrated pillars: Community, Academy, and Media. Each is designed to broaden our global network, activate members as advocates of understanding, and crowdsource a new public narrative of the Arab world through our media and library.
Our Theory of Change
We believe lasting change starts with an informed, connected global community. Every event we host, every resource we create, and every conversation we spark builds toward a more nuanced and celebrated understanding of the Arab world.
Community
Engaging a global grassroots network.
We build a global community of curious minds, eager to understand and reframe the Arab world's past, present, and future. Our volunteer-led chapters host local events, activating members as advocates of curiosity and understanding. This is where we crowdsource the knowledge that powers our media and library.
Key Initiatives
Live Community Events (afikra Salons): A global grassroots network of volunteers hosting salon-style events where members present research on topics they are curious about.
Global Retreats: Regional gatherings to connect, strategize, and deepen the community's impact.
Sandouq Shop: Apparel & accessories designed by and for the afikra global community.
Media
Crowdsourcing a new public narrative to reframe the Arab World.
Our media ecosystem is the engine for shifting the narrative. We produce a vast library of original podcasts, articles, and videos that explore the history, culture, and contributions of the Arab world. Every piece of content is designed to challenge stereotypes and amplify Arab voices.
Key Initiatives
20+ Original Podcast Series: Featuring conversations with experts from academia, media, and the arts.
Daftar Online Journal: A quarterly publication exploring stories, art, and heritage from across the Arab world.
Daftar Monthly Digest: A curated newsletter delivering the latest from the Arab world straight to your inbox.
Interested in collaborating? We work with partners on podcast and media production, content creation, and curation.
Academy
Educating the next generation to reframe the Arab World.
This is where we build the future. The afikra Academy develops educational resources and programs for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. We are creating a new curriculum to ensure the Arab world's rich histories are shared and understood in classrooms and beyond.
Key Initiatives
Global Connect: A virtual exchange program for high schoolers interested in the Arab world, developed with the University of Chicago's and UT Austin's Centers for Middle Eastern Studies.
Online Youth Summit: A virtual leadership summit linking high school students with professionals shaping the Arab world.
Teacher Resources: Free lesson plans on Arab histories and cultures, drawn from afikra's media library. Supported by a U.S. Department of Education grant via the University of Chicago.
Arabic Melodies in Harmony: Choral arrangements and lesson plans introducing middle/high school choirs to classic Arabic songs through SATB scores, videos, and workshops.
Arab World Teachers Network: A community for educators teaching the Arab world (coming soon).
Community
Engaging a global grassroots network.
We build a global community of curious minds, eager to understand and reframe the Arab world's past, present, and future. Our volunteer-led chapters host local events, activating members as advocates of curiosity and understanding. This is where we crowdsource the knowledge that powers our media and library.
Key Initiatives
Live Community Events (afikra Salons): A global grassroots network of volunteers hosting salon-style events where members present research on topics they are curious about.
Global Retreats: Regional gatherings to connect, strategize, and deepen the community's impact.
Sandouq Shop: Apparel & accessories designed by and for the afikra global community.
Media
Crowdsourcing a new public narrative to reframe the Arab World.
Our media ecosystem is the engine for shifting the narrative. We produce a vast library of original podcasts, articles, and videos that explore the history, culture, and contributions of the Arab world. Every piece of content is designed to challenge stereotypes and amplify Arab voices.
Key Initiatives
20+ Original Podcast Series: Featuring conversations with experts from academia, media, and the arts.
Daftar Online Journal: A quarterly publication exploring stories, art, and heritage from across the Arab world.
Daftar Monthly Digest: A curated newsletter delivering the latest from the Arab world straight to your inbox.
Interested in collaborating? We work with partners on podcast and media production, content creation, and curation.
Academy
Educating the next generation to reframe the Arab World.
This is where we build the future. The afikra Academy develops educational resources and programs for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. We are creating a new curriculum to ensure the Arab world's rich histories are shared and understood in classrooms and beyond.
Key Initiatives
Global Connect: A virtual exchange program for high schoolers interested in the Arab world, developed with the University of Chicago's and UT Austin's Centers for Middle Eastern Studies.
Online Youth Summit: A virtual leadership summit linking high school students with professionals shaping the Arab world.
Teacher Resources: Free lesson plans on Arab histories and cultures, drawn from afikra's media library. Supported by a U.S. Department of Education grant via the University of Chicago.
Arabic Melodies in Harmony: Choral arrangements and lesson plans introducing middle/high school choirs to classic Arabic songs through SATB scores, videos, and workshops.
Arab World Teachers Network: A community for educators teaching the Arab world (coming soon).
Our Partnerships
We build mission-driven partnerships with institutions that share our vision for a more curious and connected world. Our collaborations span six core areas where our team's expertise shines: Podcasts & Media, Community Building, Curiosity & Creativity, Content Curation, Educational Design, and Training.
We're proud to work with:
Governmental Institutions & Foundations, Universities and Educational institutions, Community and Cultural Hubs, International Design Festivals, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Media Companies.
This entire movement is powered by the support of our community. As an independent platform, we rely on contributions to keep our work open, accessible, and growing. Your support helps us:
Train presenters through our free coaching program
Produce podcast interviews with experts
Create open-access teaching resources and curricula
Host volunteer-led free events around the world
Self-publish educational media
